Impact brings you compelling stories, inspiring research, and big ideas from ACU. It's about the impact we’re having on our communities, and our Mission in action. It’s a practical resource for career, life and study.

At ACU it’s education, but not as you know it. We stand up for people in need, and causes that matter.

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Impact brings you compelling stories, inspiring research, and big ideas from ACU. It's about the impact we’re having on our communities, and our Mission in action. It’s a practical resource for career, life and study.

At ACU it’s education, but not as you know it. We stand up for people in need, and causes that matter.

What to do after Year 12 results are released

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for – results. But like many things in life, it’s not the hand you’re dealt – it’s how you play it. So whether you did better than expected, or your mark has got you concerned, don’t worry. You’ve got options.

I did well: I’ll get my first preference

Congratulations! You’ve worked hard and now you’re ready to take the next exciting step into university life. Make sure you have your application in, are across all the important dates, and keep an eye out for your offer.

Your offer is a written notice from the university letting you know that your application to a course was successful. You can choose to accept, decline or defer your offer by following the response procedure for your Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC, UAC and VTAC).

I’m worried: I didn’t do as well as I’d hoped

First off, don’t panic. Your ATAR/OP does not define your future success, and you still have plenty of options.

Consider your adjustment factors

If your selection rank is close to the lowest selection rank that was made an offer in the previous year, you should consider holding your preference. Adjustment factors and education access schemes may come into play and make you eligible for the course.

Explore pathways

Getting the right selection rank isn’t the only way into university. A pathway course involves using another program as a stepping stone into your dream degree. They include associate degrees, diplomas and certificates, and can be completed through ACU, TAFE, or other VET providers.

If you successfully complete a pathway program, you may be able to gain credit towards your ACU degree, and in some cases, go straight into the second year of the program.

Transfer between courses

You can apply to study a course with similar subjects but a lower entry score or less prerequisites, and use this as a pathway into your ideal course. This could be at the same, or even a different university. And if you receive credit for completed units, it shouldn’t take you any longer to complete your degree.

For example, if you don’t think you’ll meet the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Education (Primary) or the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary), the Bachelor of Educational Studies is an excellent alternative pathway.

Transfer between campuses

ACU has seven campuses around Australia, and entry scores can vary between locations. This means if you’re set on a particular degree but don’t get the marks to study at your preferred campus, you may be able to enrol at a campus where it has a lower entry score, and then transfer to your preferred location later on. Learn more about transferring course or campus at ACU.

Explore educational access schemes

These schemes are helpful if you have experienced educational disadvantage and been unable to reach your full potential, or had restricted access to the courses of your choice due to life experiences such as financial hardship, personal illness, home environment and responsibilities, education disruption, and English language difficulties.

Applications for the Educational Access Scheme (Qld and NSW) and Special Entry Access Scheme (Vic) must be made directly to your Tertiary Admissions Centre.

I think I’ve changed my mind

If your ATAR/OP has opened up new possibilities, take another look at your options and make sure you truly did list your top course choice as your first preference. However, don’t be tempted to change your preferences just for the sake of it – you should choose a course because you want to study it, not just because you can study it.

I’d like to talk to someone about my options

Sometimes there’s just no substitute for talking it over with an expert. We run Know Your Options information sessions, which are designed to give you one-on-one advice about your university choices. It can be great to reassure yourself you’ve made the right decision, or to learn more about pathways and entry schemes.

Not keen on attending an event? Our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, text us, email, live chat, call — whatever works for you. You can also book a personal campus tour to check out our facilities and discuss your study options at a time that suits you.

Subscribe

Subscribe now to Impact by ACU for a regular dose of compelling content.

First Name

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Last Name

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Impact brings you compelling stories, inspiring research, and big ideas from ACU. It's about the impact we’re having on our communities, and our Mission in action. It’s a practical resource for career, life and study.

At ACU it’s education, but not as you know it. We stand up for people in need, and causes that matter.